Marineland, the now-closed theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has revealed that it is facing a severe financial crisis and is seeking urgent financial assistance from the Canadian government. Without support, the establishment claims it may have to euthanize its remaining 30 beluga whales.
The plea for help was communicated via a letter addressed to the federal Fisheries Minister, Joanne Thompson, as reported by CBC News. This appeal follows the rejection of Marineland’s application for export permits by the minister.
Marineland had intended to transfer the beluga whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, but Minister Thompson expressed concerns about their captivity and entertainment use. She emphasized her belief that the whales belong in their natural ocean habitat after personally inspecting the facility and interacting with the belugas.
The amusement park stated that due to the current circumstances, there is no suitable facility to house the beluga whales, nor does a proper ocean sanctuary exist for them. Marineland emphasized its critical financial situation, being heavily in debt and lacking the means to provide adequate care for the whales.
If the government does not provide financial assistance or approve the export by October 7th, Marineland asserts that it will be forced to make the difficult decision to euthanize the whales. The letter stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that further delays could endanger the well-being and safety of the whales.
Marineland indicated that euthanizing the captive-born whales would be a direct outcome of the minister’s refusal to grant export permits. The park expressed deep concern over the increasing financial strain and the impending fate of the beluga whales in its possession.